scareware
Fraudulent virus warnings
Scareware is software that frightens users into paying for unnecessary products or services.
It typically displays fake warnings about viruses or security threats on your computer, urging immediate action: A pop-up told me my system was infected, but it was just scareware trying to sell fake antivirus software.
The tactic exploits panic to override judgment.
Microscopic infectious agent
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- payloadCarried freight or charge
Not the real thing
- bogusCounterfeit or fraudulent
- shamFraudulent imitation
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- trickeryDeliberate deception or fraud
phishing · spoofing · impersonation · misrepresentation · fraudulent · con · scam · ruse
Malware detection program
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
fake
Not the real thing
trickery · phishing · spoofing · impersonation · misrepresentation · fraudulent · con · scam · ruse · pretense
antivirus
Malware detection program
fear
Emotional response to threat
urgency · intimidation · pressure · coercion · paranoia · worry · distress · confusion · vulnerability · gullibility
pop-up
Appearing suddenly, briefly
- cyber threatsphishing, hacking, virus, ransomware, data breach
- cyberattacksphishing, ransomware, hack, virus, cyberattack
- cybercrimeshacking, phishing, ransomware, data breach, identity theft
- Cyberthreatsphishing, ransomware, hacking, viruses, spyware
- malwarevirus, viruses, worm, worms, trojan horse
- unwanted softwareadware, bloatware, crapware, grayware, junkware